Every great holiday gift guide deserves a punchy theme that captures your attention and inspires your gift giving season. My theme this year? Stuff I received to review but haven’t yet, and stuff I honestly use daily. What… the smart home gift guide idea was already taken. Seriously, though, I think this is my favorite list yet.
Table of contents
After Steve by Tripp Mickle
Look, this book came out two years ago so it’s nothing new. However, I really enjoyed reading about the time period that it captures when I reviewed it in May 2022. There’s Apple history — tracking the founding of Apple, Steve Jobs’ firing, and stellar comeback story — and there’s modern Apple history. After Steve captures a defining decade of transition for the latter period.
WaterField Slim Tech Folio Backpack
From books to book bags. WaterField bags are designed and produced in San Francisco, California, giving each product a personal feel to it. I’ve been using the Slim Tech Folio Backpack since July, and it has remained my go-to backpack for regular use. Go for the non-slim version if you like the style but want more room. If you’re going for something minimal, though, the Slim Tech Folio is an ideal backpack for stowing away an iPad or MacBook, some chargers and accessories, and the kind of things you’d fit into your pockets. It won’t double as a weekend getaway backpack. Instead, it’s tailor made for keeping a flat profile and not looking like a hiker when you take your laptop to the cafe. See also: WaterField Moto Front Sling (reviewed). They pair nicely together.
Cardo Packtalk Pro
Speaking of moto, this year I got to test out the new Packtalk Pro from Cardo Systems. Put simply, if Apple made a helmet intercom system, this would be it. Like all connected devices, it interfaces with an iPhone app. But the Apple-ness comes from the Air Mount attachment system. Like so many Apple products, it uses magnets to easily attach and detach while aligning perfectly in place. Packtalk Pro also emphasizes audio fidelity, pairing 45mm JBL speakers and a hybrid/boom microphone for loud music and clear calls. Lastly, like modern iPhones, Packtalk Pro even packs in crash detection. It’s an instant upgrade to any helmet for motorcyclists, off roaders, and more.
Fender x Teufel ROCKSTER CROSS
Speaker maker Teufel teamed up with the iconic guitar and amp makers at Fender to create a line of Bluetooth speakers worthy of rocking the house. I’ve been using the ROCKSTER CROSS since August when it became the life of my son’s outdoor birthday party. It has a louder sound than you’ll get from smaller Bluetooth speakers, true stereo sound, and an Outdoor Mode that boosts the bass for large areas. It’s also designed to be worn. In fact, my brother-in-law took it upon himself to become the unofficial DJ, walking around the park with the included guitar strap and ROCKSTER CROSS hanging over his shoulder. The speaker itself is curved such that it feels natural when you’re wearing it. I’ve also used it for pumping up the kids at flag football practice and as my beach speaker for tuning in and zoning out on the sand.
P.S. If you’re a hobby guitarist like me, be prepared to talk shop with other guitar players when they ask if the speaker is an amp. Teufel and Fender actually do offer a guitar amp variant called the ROCKSTER AIR 2. Now that’s on my wish list.
Beats Pill (2024)
Did you hear Apple bought Beats? Like in 2014? Wild, I know. So this year, Apple’s Beats redesigned and re-released the iconic Beats Pill. If you want a small Bluetooth speaker, you can’t go wrong with this tried and tested form factor. I’ve been using mine non-stop around the house, as my shower speaker, and anytime I want to amplify my iPhone or iPad audio. Prior to receiving the 2024 version, I used the discontinued Beats Pill+ for something like seven years. These things are very durable. While the outgoing speaker used Lightning for recharging and USB-A out for charging other devices, the modern version uses a single USB-C port for both functions. It also has water resistance that the previous version lacked, a useful lanyard for carrying it without tying up your hands, and Find My support. Would recommend for days.
Native Union Voyage 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger
This one’s easy. It’s a MagSafe/Qi 2 charging pad with an Apple Watch charging puck and a compact, foldable design. It’s powered by a single USB-C cable, and it’s small enough to fit in your pocket. Power adapter sold separately.
NuPhy Halo75/96 V2
When a friend introduced me to the fun and quirky keyboards from NuPhy, I had to get my hands on the Halo75 V2 variant in blue (reviewed). Simply put, this keyboard is a light show for your Mac.
Since then, I’ve also spent time with the Halo96 V2 variant in black. More keys and in black is my preference.
Insta360 X4
This action camera is an absolute blast to work with, and it’s one of those nice-but-not-something-I-need products. Those make for the best gifts, in my opinion. See how I used the Insta360 X4 (reviewed) in testing an electric motorcycle this summer: 2024 Zero S test ride: A fun and sporty on-ramp to electric motorcycle performance.
Oura Ring 4
Filed under the category of things I haven’t used yet but find intriguing: the new Oura Ring 4. Why I’m interested: I wear an Apple Watch and use it for sleep tracking, but I love health data and think a ring might be a good form factor. More perspective if I get my hands on the hardware. In the meantime, it might make for an interesting gift for anyone health- and metric-minded.
Halo Collar 4
Not to be confused with the classic game title Halo 4, the Halo Collar 4 is a smart dog-training collar with activity tracking and internet connectivity. At its core, the new Halo Collar 4 is a GPS fence for your pup, allowing your dog to roam free without being in harm’s way. Dual-frequency GPS means real-time location tracking is as accurate as the marathon-ready Apple Watch Ultra. For serious dog tracking (and training), this is the way to go.
CarlinKit 5
Lastly, you can’t go wrong with a CarlinKit 5 for turning wired CarPlay into wireless CarPlay. See also: CarlinKit Ai Box for the most capable version that turns your screen into a smart TV.
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